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Systemic Sclerosis – A Diagnostic Challenge or a Clinically Controllable Disease?
Get PDFSystemic sclerosis is a complex and heterogeneous autoimmune condition in which skin and internal organ involvement progresses through interrelated processes of vasculopathy, immune activation, and fibrosis. Although considered an uncommon disease, its impact is disproportionate due to delayed diagnosis and potential for multiorgan complications. This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the underlying mechanisms, clinical spectrum, and management strategies of systemic sclerosis, with particular attention to validated classification criteria and therapeutic recommendations. The paper emphasizes the role of early clinical suspicion, specific serologic and capillaroscopic findings, and the significance of evolving immunomodulatory and antifibrotic therapies. An individualized and multidisciplinary approach remains essential in improving patient outcomes and quality of life
Meditation and Mindfulness in the Management of Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Get PDFFibromyalgia is a complex and chronic pain syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, hypersensitivity to stimuli, and frequently co-occurring psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Although conventional treatments remain essential, their limited effectiveness combined with the multifaceted nature of fibromyalgia, often leads patients to explore complementary approaches and encourages a holistic management strategy for the disease. This review includes studies from the last 15 years, sourced from PubMed database, that focus on the role of meditation - particularly mindfulness-based practices, as a non-pharmacological intervention in the management of fibromyalgia. A growing body of evidence suggests that techniques incorporating meditation, such as mindfulness, Qigong, yoga, and conscious breathing can reduce pain intensity, improve sleep quality, and alleviate psychological distress. Meditation may also enhance emotional resilience and support self-regulation, offering patients a sense of agency in coping with chronic symptoms. Importantly, some studies indicate that mindfulness-based interventions are not only clinically beneficial but also cost-effective, by reducing reliance on healthcare resources. While methodological limitations remain present in much of the research, meditation-based therapies emerge as a promising and accessible complement to conventional fibromyalgia treatments, supporting a more holistic and patient-centered model of care
Influence of pulmonary sequestration on growth and body weight: Case report and literature review
Get PDFBackground: Pulmonary sequestration is a rare congenital anomaly involving non-functional lung tissue with systemic arterial blood supply. Its implications for pediatric growth and weight are poorly documented.
Case report: An 8-years-and-10-month-old previously healthy boy was diagnosed with pulmonary sequestration following pneumonia. Chest imaging revealed emphysematous changes, and computed tomography confirmed intralobar sequestration. Surgical removal was performed, revealing significant growth impairment with weight (18.9 kg) and height (117 cm), both below the 3rd percentile at admission, despite normal laboratory findings.
Discussion: Pulmonary sequestration can negatively influence pediatric growth due to chronic inflammation and hypoxia from recurrent infection. Surgical intervention typically results in clinical improvement and significant catch-up growth.
Conclusion: This case highlights pulmonary sequestration’s potential negative impact on pediatric growth and underscores the importance of early surgical intervention for improving growth outcomes
Impact of physical activity on the development of dementia
Get PDFIssues related to disease prevention are being increasingly addressed, particularly through the prevention of diseases by identification and verification of risk factors. One condition that is associated with an increasing incidence among the aging population is dementia, which places a burden on health care systems and the caregivers. The purpose of this studyis to explore the relationship between physical activity and the development of dementia based on the available literature. Understanding how exercise and sports can help prevent dementia may prove crucial in its prevention. Research indicates that physical activity has an impact on preventing and delaying the development of dementia by reducing cardiovascular risk factors and having a neuroprotective effect. However, the effectiveness of physical activity, the type of sport and environmental conditions plays a major role in this aspect. Notably, evidence suggests that contact sports and strenuous physical work can promote the development of dementia
The impact of maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) on athletic performance and health - a review
Get PDFIntroduction and purpose: Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) is a key indicator of aerobic capacity, widely used in sports science and clinical diagnostics. It reflects the functional efficiency of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and muscular systems. Given its relevance to physical performance and health risk prediction, VO₂max has become a central focus in exercise physiology and preventive medicine. The aim of this study is to review current literature on the physiological determinants, assessment methods, modifiability, and clinical implications of VO₂max.
Material and method: A narrative review of literature published between 2000 and 2024 was performed using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Search terms included: “VO₂max,” “cardiorespiratory fitness,” “aerobic capacity,” “exercise testing,” and “training.” Eligible studies involved human participants and addressed either physiological mechanisms, measurement techniques, interventions, or the role of VO₂max in disease risk. Non-peer-reviewed and animal studies were excluded.
Results: VO₂max is influenced by genetic, physiological, and environmental factors, and can be improved through structured endurance and high-intensity interval training. Direct and indirect assessment methods, including laboratory testing and wearable devices, offer various levels of accuracy and accessibility. VO₂max is also strongly associated with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality risk, especially in clinical and aging populations.
Conclusions: VO₂max is a robust, clinically relevant marker of fitness and health. Its integration into regular health monitoring and personalized training programs offers valuable potential for disease prevention, performance optimization, and public health promotion
Metformin as a Therapeutic Option in Psoriasis: A Review of Pathophysiological Insights and Clinical Perspectives
Get PDFAim of the study: This study synthesizes current preclinical and clinical evidence regarding the role of metformin as a potential therapeutic option in psoriasis, examining its mechanisms of action, efficacy, safety profile, impact on the common comorbidity of metabolic syndrome, as well as evaluating future directions for studies.
Material and methods: A literature review was conducted using the databases PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect up to April 2025 with keywords “metformin” AND “psoriasis”.
Results: Preclinical studies demonstrate that metformin inhibits keratinocyte proliferation, promotes apoptosis, and suppresses key inflammatory mediators such as IL-23, IL-17, and TNF-α, mainly via AMPK activation and mTOR signaling inhibition. Clinically, adjunctive metformin therapy shows promising results in improving psoriasis severity indices, particularly in patients with coexisting metabolic syndrome, although study heterogeneity and dosing variability limit definitive conclusions. Moreover, metformin may improve metabolic parameters in psoriasis patients, potentially enhancing overall treatment outcomes. Safety data indicate a favorable profile with minimal adverse effects. Emerging research also suggests the potential application of metformin as a topical treatment.
Conclusions: Metformin is a promising candidate to be implemented as part of the therapy targeting not only dermatological symptoms, but also comorbid metabolic disorders in psoriasis, which may contribute to more comprehensive and effective patient care. Despite encouraging findings, further randomized controlled trials are warranted to clarify optimal dosing, long-term efficacy, and mechanistic pathways
Probiotics in Sports: Modulating the Microbiome for Performance and Health
Get PDFBackgroundThe human gut microbiome—a dynamic ecosystem of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and archaea—is integral to digestion, immune modulation, metabolism, and systemic health. Its composition is shaped by perinatal factors, genetics, environment, diet, physical activity, and probiotic interventions. Modulating the microbiome through lifestyle and nutritional strategies offers potential for disease prevention and enhanced athletic performance.
AimThis review synthesizes current evidence on factors influencing gut microbiota composition across the lifespan, the systemic impacts of dysbiosis, and the roles of diet, physical activity, and probiotics—particularly in athletic populations—in fostering a health-promoting microbiome.
Material and MethodsA narrative review was conducted using peer-reviewed studies, meta-analyses, and clinical trials sourced from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Topics included microbiome development, lifestyle and dietary influences, exercise-related microbiome adaptations, and probiotic applications.
ResultsPerinatal factors such as delivery mode, breastfeeding, and antibiotics shape early microbiota with long-term health effects. Diet is a primary modulator: fiber- and polyphenol-rich diets enhance microbial diversity, whereas high-protein, low-fiber diets may impair gut health in athletes. Physical activity modifies microbiota structure and function; regular exercise promotes beneficial SCFA-producing taxa, strengthens gut barrier integrity, and supports immune and neurocognitive health. Probiotic supplementation improves gastrointestinal and dermatological conditions, modulates inflammation, and enhances athletic recovery and resilience.
ConclusionsThe gut microbiome is a key determinant of systemic health. Targeted diet, structured physical activity, and personalized probiotic use can optimize microbiota function. In athletes, integrating microbiome profiling with individualized nutrition may enhance performance and recovery
Diphtheria: A Disease of the Past or a Public Health Threat? Prevention Strategies in the 21st Century
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Introduction and purpose: Diphtheria is an infectious, potentially fatal disease caused by the aerobic, Gram-positive bacillus Corynebacterium diphtheriae. For many years, it posed a significant health threat, particularly among children. The introduction of mass immunization programs led to a substantial decline in the number of cases, and in some countries, the disease was nearly eradicated. However, in recent years, a resurgence of diphtheria has been observed, which is linked to factors such as declining vaccination rates and increased human migration. The aim of this paper is to review the current knowledge on diphtheria, its epidemiological status, and strategies for its prevention.
Material and Methods: Bibliographic research was limited to papers published between 2019 and 2025. The articles were identified using the PubMed and Google Scholar search, using key terms.
Key terms: diphtheria, Cornyebacterium diphtheriae, vaccination coverage, disease reemergence, vaccination hesitancy
Results: A review of the literature and epidemiological data indicates that, although diphtheria was once nearly eradicated, it continues to re-emerge in the population. This resurgence is primarily attributed to declining vaccination coverage and increased population migration. Such a trend poses serious consequences at both the individual and societal levels.Prevention strategies to curb the spread of diphtheria include maintaining high vaccination coverage, promoting health education particularly regarding immunization and combating misinformation spread through social media.
Conclusions Problem highlights the urgent need for preventive strategies focused on increasing vaccination coverage, combating misinformation on social media, and improving access to immunization services. Only integrated and coordinated efforts can ensure that the disease remains under control
Contemporary Apocryphal Stories Based on the Life of Prepodobna Stoyna – a Bulgarian Prophetess, Healer, Non-Canonical Saint
Get PDFPrepodobna Stoyna was a Bulgarian prophetess who developed the gifts of preaching and healing after she became blind at the age of 7. At the beginning of the 20th century, Prepodobna Stoyna appeared in the church of Saint George in the village Zlatolist in Southwest Bulgaria, where she subsequently resided for at least twenty years and led the life of a hermit until her death in 1933, at the age of fifty. Stoyna lived in the balcony area inside the church and there, in the room that is preserved and visited until this day, she received pilgrims. According to oral stories and her written vita, she was endowed with the gifts of clairvoyance and healing, as well as levitation, and more. The faithful call her “the sister of St. George” and believe that thanks to her close connection with the saint, she fulfils requests from their prayers even after her death. The Orthodox hurch warns against idolatry and heresy associated with this cult, but, at the same time, this has no effect on the thousands of people visiting this place and treating Prepodobna Stoyna as a saint. In my paper, I point out the cultural mechanisms in the creation of oral stories based on her life, which have similar structural elements to the apocrypha and fulfil similar aims